Sensory + Speech: Mythbusters for SLPs
There’s a persistent myth in our field that “sensory” and “speech” live in separate lanes.
That regulation belongs to OT and communication belongs to us. And that if we start thinking about the nervous system, we’re somehow stepping outside our role.
But in real-life therapy?
How a child processes sensory input directly impacts how they attend, regulate, move, interact, and communicate.
When we try to target “speech goals” without considering regulation, therapy often feels harder than it needs to be – for us and for the kids we support.
So let’s start with the biggest myth of all.
❌ Myth #1: “Is this even in my scope?”
This is the hesitation I hear most often.
“I’m not an OT… is this really my role?”
Here’s the distinction that matters:
We are not diagnosing sensory processing disorder.
We are not providing occupational therapy.
We are not replacing OT.
We are supporting regulation as it relates to communication.
If a child cannot attend or stay engaged, communication is impacted.
Supporting regulation so a child can access communication? That is absolutely within our scope.
Understanding how the nervous system influences speech and language doesn’t expand our role beyond ethics. It strengthens our ability to do our job well.
❌ Myth #2: “I don’t have a sensory gym, so this won’t work for me.”
Let’s clear this up quickly.
You do not need a swing.
You do not need crash pads.
You do not need a perfectly designed clinic.
Most SLPs are working in schools, small therapy rooms, homes, or shared spaces. And sensory-informed therapy absolutely works there.
Supporting regulation can look like:
- Building predictable routines
- Incorporating rhythm and movement into language activities
- Adjusting pacing and positioning
- Offering simple movement breaks
- Choosing materials intentionally
A sensory gym is a tool. It is not the intervention.
The intervention is your understanding of regulation and how it connects to communication.
❌ Myth #3: “This only applies to early intervention.”
Sensory differences don’t disappear at age five.
They show up in preschoolers who can’t sit during circle time.
In elementary students who avoid academic tasks.
In middle schoolers who shut down during language-heavy work.
In teens who look “unmotivated” but are actually overwhelmed.
Regulation impacts attention, processing speed, executive functioning, and social engagement at every stage.
The strategies may evolve across ages but the principle stays the same: A regulated nervous system makes communication more accessible.
This is not just early intervention work. This is lifespan work.
❌ Myth #4: “It doesn’t work in group therapy.”
Group therapy is actually one of the most powerful places to integrate sensory-informed support.
Because groups naturally require turn-taking, shared attention, waiting, social flexibility, emotional regulation, etc.
Instead of separating regulation from your group plan, you can build it into the structure:
- Predictable routines
- Clear transitions
- Intentional movement embedded into activities
- Rhythm, music, and collaborative play
When regulation is supported, participation improves.
When participation improves, communication goals become more meaningful and attainable.
It’s not separate from your group work. It strengthens it.
The Bigger Truth
When we stop separating “speech goals” from the nervous system, therapy becomes more effective and often much easier.
We spend less time fighting behaviors.
Less time questioning motivation.
Less time wondering why goals aren’t sticking.
And more time supporting the whole child.
Sensory + speech were never meant to be separated.
They are deeply interconnected.
And when we embrace that – without overstepping, without overcomplicating, and without needing a perfectly equipped clinic – we step into more confident, grounded, neuroaffirming practice.
Want to Go Deeper?
If this shifted something for you – if you’re realizing that regulation and communication can’t be separated, but you’re not quite sure what this looks like step-by-step in your own sessions – I created something for you.
Inside my free sensory training for SLPs, I walk you through:
- What sensory-informed speech therapy actually looks like in real sessions
- How to integrate regulation ethically and confidently within your scope
- Practical strategies you can use immediately (no sensory gym required)
- And how to support communication by supporting the nervous system first
You don’t need more materials. You don’t need to change professions. You just need a framework that connects what you’re already doing to how the nervous system works.
>> Click here to access the free sensory training
Because when we understand regulation, communication becomes more accessible and therapy becomes more effective.
